When you are flexible it balances muscle groups that might be overused during exercise or physical activity or created by poor posture. There are many benefits that you can achieve from a great flexibility program..
1. Improved Physical Performance and Decreased Risk of Injury:
Stretching increases physical performance. A flexible joint has the ability to move through a greater range of motion and requires less energy to do so, while greatly decreasing your risk of injury. stretching decreases resistance in tissue structures so you are less likely to become injured by stretching regularly and especially whilst exercising.
2. Reduces Muscle Soreness and Improved Posture is a must.
Stretching helps reduce muscle soreness after exercise. Static stretching involves a slow, gradual lengthening of the muscle through the full range of motion and held for 30 seconds in a comfortable position (without pain). Stretching also improves muscular balance and your posture.
3. Reduced Risk of Low Back Pain this one is important as it promotes muscle relaxation.
If a muscle in constant contraction it stays tense and requires more energy to get thought you activities. Most lower back problems are caused by poor hamstring flexibility, hip flexors, quadriceps, and other muscles attaching to the pelvis. keeping these areas stretched and flexible will reduce stress to the low back.
4. Increased Blood and Nutrients to Tissues
Another great benefit is that stretching increases blood supply and nutrients to joint structures. Stretching increases tissue temperature, which in turn increases circulation and nutrient transport. This allows greater elasticity of surrounding tissues and increases performance. Stretching also increases joint synovial fluid, which is a lubricating fluid that promotes the transport of more nutrients to the joints' atricular cartilage. This allows a greater range of motion and reduces joint degeneration.
5. Improved Muscle Coordination
Another little-known benefit is increased neuromuscular coordination. Studies show that nerve-impulse velocity (the time it takes an impulse to travel to the brain and back) is improved with stretching. This helps opposing muscle groups work in a more synergistic, coordinated fashion.
6. Enhanced Enjoyment of Physical Activities
Flexibility training also means enhanced enjoyment, and a fitness program should be fun if you want to stick with it. Not only does stretching decrease muscle soreness and increase performance, it also helps relax both mind and body and brings a heightened sense of well-being and personal gratification during exercise.
Stretching is one of the most under-utilised techniques for improving athletic performance and getting rid of those annoying sports injuries. Don't make the mistake of thinking that something as simple as stretching won't be effective. It is just as important as the exercise itself...
http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/flexibility-benefits.php
Free stretches: click below (go to "Stretching Guide", then, on the next page, click on "I agree")
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